Hoosiers respond to anchor's live-TV monologue bashing bully

Girls Inc. leader says video was empowering

In the latest viral video, Wisconsin news anchor Jennifer Livingston fires back on TV after getting an email criticizing her weight, and her response has people talking.

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Jennifer Livingston

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INDIANAPOLIS - It's making cyber rounds, and stirring up debate.

In the latest viral video, Wisconsin news anchor Jennifer Livingston fires back on TV after getting an email criticizing her weight, and her response has people talking.

"The truth is, I am over weight. You could call me fat and, yes, even obese on a doctor's chart, but to the person who wrote me this letter: do you think I don't know that? That your cruel words are pointing out something that I don't see?" asked Livingston.

From her studio in La Crosse to the Circle City and beyond, Livingston's anti-bullying stance is reaching millions.

"I felt empowered by her words," said Abri Hochstetler, with Girls Inc. "So often women are criticized for the way that they look in the media."

At Girls Inc. in Indianapolis, they're training to help teach girls self-esteem, so they're strong enough to withstand comments like the ones sent to Livingston.

After referencing her appearance the email to Livingston said, "Surely you don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young people, girls in particular.

"For a woman who is so articulate and professional to actually take a stance and as she says in the video setting an example for her daughters that she was going to stand up to this bullying, I frankly was inspired," Hochstetler said.

The author of the email called obesity "a choice and habit," and denies being a bully, but Livingston is not buying it and has this to say to kids: "Listen to me right now. Do not let your self-worth be defined by bullies. Learn from my experience that the cruel words of one are nothing compared to the shouts of many."

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